Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield, OH (2023 Update)
- Northfield Solar Installation Cost: $13,996
- 25-Year Savings: $12,913
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Northfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Northfield, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,996, or $20,014 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Northfield depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Northfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,919 |
| 3 years | $-10,766 |
| 5 years | $-8,614 |
| 7 years | $-6,461 |
| 9 years | $-4,308 |
| 11 years | $-2,156 |
| 13 years | $-3 |
| 15 years | $2,150 |
| 17 years | $4,302 |
| 19 years | $6,455 |
| 21 years | $8,608 |
| 23 years | $10,761 |
| 25 years | $12,913 |
Top Solar Installers in Northfield
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Northfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Northfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Northfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Northfield provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Northfield is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Northfield have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,482 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,930 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,520 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,255 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,132 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,153 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,317 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,625 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Northfield, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Northfield is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Northfield?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.